“I was determined to keep helping care home residents as I knew they would be feeling more lonely than ever given the circumstances,” said Hammersmith student Nina who has been named as a Covid champion. “A letter is never ill-timed, it never interrupts,” said author Lois Wyse.
Nurses and midwives from Guy’s and St Thomas’ honoured with award for outstanding practice
Nurses and midwives from Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital have been recognised for their outstanding practice with a unique professional award. The Nightingale Nurse and Nightingale Midwife Award was presented to 41 nurses and two midwives who now have the honour of being known as a ‘Nightingale Nurse’ or ‘Nightingale Midwife’.
Tory leader announces he will step back from role and is replaced by deputy
The Conservative group leader in Hammersmith and Fulham has announced he will step back from the role. Councillor Andrew Brown will be replaced by councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, who was his deputy.
Lewisham’s newly elected councillors promise to ‘stand up for residents’ following wins last week
Lewisham’s newly elected councillors have promised to stand up for residents following their wins last week. Four by-elections were held on May 6, alongside the London mayoral and assembly elections. The council declared on Saturday that Labour and Cooperative Party candidates had won all four seats in Sydenham, New Cross, Catford South, and Bellingham.
Backlogs for routine treatments ‘will keep getting bigger until July’ says hospital chief
The backlog of patients waiting over a year for routine treatments at three West London hospitals will continue to grow “until July”, an NHS chief has said. The excruciating waits for those elective treatments, such as hip replacements and knee surgery, has been caused by the pandemic.
Wimbledon private school to rename building with association to the slave trader
Following months of research, a private school in Wimbledon is looking to rename its sports hall due to an association with a slave trader. Wimbledon High School will change the name of it’s Draxmont sports hall named after a member of the Drax family which owned slave plantations in the Americas.
Inquest into the Croydon tram crash will get underway after a ‘long and agonising wait’
After a “long and agonising wait” an inquest into the Croydon tram crash will get underway on Monday (May 17). It has been more than four years since a tram derailed at Sandilands Junction on November 9, 2016. The inquest will take place at Croydon Town Hall from Monday-Thursday and is expected to last for 13 weeks.
More top stories
Cop to run 200km for struggling Brixton road accident charity on 125th anniversary of first fatal crash
Runners are being urged to help keep a spring in a senior police officer’s step as he runs 200km to raise money for a Brixton road safety charity. Former Metropolitan Police officer Det Chief Supt Andy Cox, 43, is calling for Londoners to run, cycle or walk beside him as he completes an ambitious run for RoadPeace.
Sadiq Khan to push ahead with planned expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone
Sadiq Khan has announced plans to push ahead with the planned expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) later this year. The newly re-elected Mayor of London today confirmed that the ULEZ will be expanded to operate up to the north and south circular roads from October 25 this year as previously planned.
Recycling from public bins across Merton is being ‘set alight’ at the Beddington Incinerator
Most of the recycling from public bins across Merton is being ‘set alight’ at the Beddington Incinerator. When community campaigner Mark Gale was convinced that recycling in town centre bins was not being dealt with properly, he set about finding out more.
The PM’s plan to introduce voter ID will ‘strip away the rights of the most vulnerable’ says Tooting MP
A Tooting MP has criticised the Government over their plans to introduce mandatory photo ID for voters. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting and Shadow Mental Health Minister said the plans will “strip away the rights of the most vulnerable”. As part of wider vote reform, the Conservative Government recently proposed a Bill which will require all voters to provide photo ID before casting their vote.
Residents encouraged to ditch takeaways in favour of supporting the hospitality industry
Croydon residents are being encouraged to ditch takeaways in favour of supporting the borough’s hospitality industry when coronavirus restrictions ease on Monday (May 17). Under the next stage of the easing of lockdown, up to six people can meet together inside meaning many pubs and restaurants with little or no outside space will be able to open for the first time in 2021.
Labour will not have any members sit as chairs or vice chairs of London Assembly’s scrutiny committees
Labour will not have any members sit as chairs or vice chairs of any of the London Assembly’s scrutiny committees following this morning’s annual meeting. Assembly members this morning voted on who should take up positions at the first meeting since the GLA elections, but the City Hall Labour group has accused the Greens, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats of forming a “coalition” to “block” its members from key scrutiny committee positions.
Brixton BMX and Peckham BMX compete in first event of 2021
Brixton and Peckham’s BMX clubs were part of the first competitive event in 2021 earlier this month in Merton.
Catford Wanderers LTC: Poor results as rain also wipes out the ladies match
Catford Wanderers picked up poor results at the weekend with the ladies second team losing badly at Willett Rec.
Bromley boss gives verdict on 2-2 draw at Notts County
Andy Woodman hailed the character of his team after Bromley fought back to claim a point against Notts County.
Matt Cox saves two penalties as AFC Wimbledon knocked Cray Valley PM out of London Senior Cup
Two penalty saves by Matt Cox and a late brace by Corie Andrews fired AFC Wimbledon into the final of the London Senior Cup run at the expense of Cray Valley Paper Mills.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland gives his verdict on Crystal Palace debut
Jack Butland says playing his first Premier League game for Crystal Palace was “special” as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace boss delighted to welcome James Tomkins back into first-team fold
James Tomkins returned to league action for Crystal Palace in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa after recovering from a freak training ground accident at the beginning of the year.
Crystal Palace boss explains why he named three goalkeepers in squad for Villa match
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has explained his reason for naming three goalkeepers on the bench – and handing a debut to Jack Butland.
Blues thrashed 4-0 in Champions League final by sensational Barcelona
Chelsea were thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in the Champions League final – conceding the first goal after just 35 seconds and then going into let in three more before the first half was over.
It was a terrible performance by the west Londoners with no player performing close to their usual level.
Christian Benteke: I always believed in my ability – I’m giving confidence back to Crystal Palace boss
Christian Benteke took his Premier League goal tally to nine this season – including three in his last three games – and reckons he is repaying manager Roy Hodgson’s faith.
Crystal Palace boss has praise for “popular” Tyrick Mitchell after left-back nets first Premier League goal
Roy Hodgson hailed the performance of Tyrick Michell after the 21-year-old left-back scored his first Premier League goal, and the winner, in Crystal Palace’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Crystal Palace 3 Aston Villa 2 – Tyrick Mitchell strikes as Eagles end wait for Selhurst Park win
Tyrick Mitchell scored the winner as a spirited second-half performance from Roy Hodgson’s side saw the Eagles come from 2-1 down to claim all three points at Selhurst Park.
Education
Wimbledon private school to rename building with association to the slave trader
Following months of research, a private school in Wimbledon is looking to rename its sports hall due to an association with a slave trader. Wimbledon High School will change the name of it’s Draxmont sports hall named after a member of the Drax family which owned slave plantations in the Americas.
English teacher Niall Bourke scores top marks for new novel Line
English teacher Niall Bourke must brace himself for the excuses for late homework every Monday morning. But he’ll be glad his own writing has got the thumbs up from the people that matter – the critics. His novel, Line, published by Tramp Press on April 8, has seen him quickly recognised as a rising star by reviewers across the UK and Ireland
Charitable 95-year-old millionaire philanthropist awards over 200,000 young people
The charitable foundation of a 95-year-old millionaire philanthropist has awarded over 200,000 achievement awards to young people, finds an independent study. Bean Research conducted the study of the Jack Petchey Foundation, which was founded by Sir Jack Petchey in 1999, to celebrate the foundation’s 21st birthday.
Sidcup private school to cover fees for children of NHS key workers
A private school in Sidcup is set to start a new scheme to help children of key workers by covering school fees. Merton Court Preparatory School is offering the children of NHS key workers the chance to apply for a full fees bursary at the school. Applications are now open to frontline NHS key workers’ children who will be eight years old by August 31, 2021.
Opinions
In My Opinion: Ellie Reeves, MP for Lewisham West & Penge
Under Sadiq Khan, London has made great progress on air pollution. This, in part, has been achieved by the rolling out of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, schemes to make walking and cycling safer and easier, funding to clean up London’s taxi fleet and almost £53million worth of grants to take older, more polluting vehicles off the roads.
In My View: Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham
Their Windrush Compensation Scheme has become a scandal in itself, criticised from all corners for its slow speed, complex documentation process and the high burden of proof it places on often elderly victims. Two years since it opened, less than a quarter of those who have applied for compensation have received any, and less than one per cent of the £500million set aside for victims has been paid out
In My View: Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham Deptford
The creative sector has been hit hard over the last year by the consequences of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. While I welcomed the Government’s much-touted £1.57billion Cultural Recovery Fund, it was too little too late for some venues, and many creative workers – particularly freelancers – will not benefit from it.
In My View: Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea
After months of delay, last week finally saw the publication of the report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, established by the Prime Minister in July 2020 after the Black Lives Matter movement. From the minute Boris Johnson hired Tony Sewell to be the Chair of the Commission, I suspected the Government might not be serious about addressing racial inequalities.
Food & Drink
Borough Market Meat Boxes
Is it barbecue season yet? With the weather as changeable as ever, no one is quite sure so plan one, cook while holding an umbrella and if the rain really doesn’t hold off, then eat inside.
Bliss of ordering at the bar at The Blythe Hill Tavern, Catford
The road to normality has felt long this week. Freedom stills feels frustratingly near but elusive, the fiver you see in the gutter which then blows away.
Discovering a treasure in The Sultan, Wimbledon
The Sultan is fairly modest to look at it – a 1950s red-bricked building that suggests a fairly ordinary, typical suburban pub. It is located in between rows of terraced houses.
Don’t fancy al fresco libations? Ready-made cocktails delivered to your door
World Cocktail Day is on 13th May 2021. For those who don’t fancy al fresco libations, here are some companies that have done all the hard work for you and will deliver ready-made cocktails to your door.
Entertainment
Festival celebrating the legendary TV show Friends coming to Clapham Common this summer
A festival celebrating the legendary TV show Friends is coming to Clapham Common this summer. Visitors will be led through replica sets of the television shows and be able to take photographs of themselves with them
Show your appreciation for your local hospice and walk with St Christopher’s this September
Anne is asking her local community to put on their comfortable shoes and show their support for the work of the hospice during the pandemic by joining her at St Christopher’s sponsored Fun Walk at Keston Common, Bromley, on 19 September 2021
New attractions for London Zoo as lockdown eases in the UK
Two exciting new attractions are in store for visitors to London Zoo this spring as the country prepares for the next stage of lockdown easing.
Charity to take part in Dulwich Festival with artists and dancers
Bell House, a charity for wider learning, is taking part in the Dulwich Festival this May with a Sculpture Park in the gardens with 11 artists and three dancers exhibiting.
Spotlight on outdoor swimming
Outdoor swimming is a trend that just won’t go away, writes Lottie Kilraine. It could be the health benefits, such as better blood circulation, improved sleep and smoother skin, or the feeling of freedom you get while paddling away under an open sky. But whatever it is, with restrictions easing and summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to get out into the water.
Vocalist Jordan Rakei performing at WOMAD festival
Performing at WOMAD for the first time is vocalist Jordan Rakei. Since moving to the UK five years ago he has earned praise for his diverse and powerfully emotive sound incorporating elements of R’n’B, jazz, funk, and soul.
Theatre
Historic children’s theatre prepares to reopen after £8.5 million makeover
After more than two years closed, a well-loved children’s theatre is preparing to reopen this summer following an £8.5 million makeover. The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon closed its doors for refurbishment in February 2019.
Dropped Tea Theatre opens up submissions for upcoming performances
A new female-led theatre company has announced an open call for submissions from creatives with lived experience growing up in Peckham and Camberwell.
A taste of real India and it’s not pleasant
A glimpse into the real India: Christopher Walker reviews Behind the Beautiful Forevers, now streaming.
What's On
Horniman Museum looking forward to opening its doors again
The Horniman Museum is also hoping to throw open its doors again on May 17, subject to government guidance.
Museum of Youth Culture celebrates young people over the last 100 years
Celebrating the scenes, styles and sounds forged by young people over the last 100 years, the new Museum of Youth Culture has opened in Carnaby Street.
Florence Nightingale Museum defies fears of survival to reopen from June
Despite fears that it would not survive the last year, the Florence Nightingale Museum in Lambeth has announced it will reopen on the first weekend of each month from June.
Royalty, the stars, the sea, it’s all here
It seems like an age since anyone last set foot in a museum. But behind closed doors, staff have been working hard hanging new exhibitions, sprucing up old ones and making spaces safe for their return on May 17, dependent on government guidance. Alexandra Warren picks some old and new favourites.
Best of South London
Spotlight on homeware
Over the past 14 months, people have connected with their homes in ways their pre-pandemic lives could never allow.
Chart-topping Lewisham singer highlights the impact of pollution on Black communities
A Lewisham born singer has released a music video featuring local residents to highlight the impact of climate change on Black communities in South London.
Plumbers pledge to donate £1 from every job to help fund life-saving cancer treatment for 10-year-old
A 10-year-old cancer patient’s campaign to get potentially life-saving treatment abroad has been backed by a plumbing franchise. Pimlico Plumbers has pledged to donating £1 from every job it completes to help fund vital cancer treatment for Chloe Balloqui.
Pets
How would you react to a dog in hot car?
What can start out as a fun, relaxing day in the sunshine can have tragic consequences for dogs – those who sadly suffer from heat exhaustion after being trapped in hot cars. Leaving a dog in a car on a warm day, even with the windows open and the car parked in the shade, creates a potentially fatal situation.
Cats are very sensitive to changes
Changes in our lifestyle and situations that seem to be beyond our control all contribute towards feeling stressed. The same is true for our pets – and particularly cats – who can be highly sensitive to changes in their lives
Pets can be affected by allergies too
We are all too aware of these common allergy symptoms in humans, particularly now as we enter hay fever season – but did you know that some pets can suffer from allergies too?
South London Memories
The surgeon’s link to Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte spent the last five years of his life in exile on the island of St Helena – one of the remote places on earth. But what did Captain James McTernan, who is buried at Brockley Cemetery, have to do with it? MIKE GUILFOYLE finds out.
Searching for answers about hero uncle Roy
For many of our grandparents and parents, the Second World War demanded they risk their lives to save us from an invasion by the Nazis under Hitler. One of those is Royston – known as Roy – Ellis, from Clapham.
This week 10, 20 ,30 years ago
The Met is currently in talks with television company Talkback Thames over what should happen to 400kg of uniforms used on police drama The Bill.
Milton served his community well
A memorial service for a tennis coach who created one of the biggest community clubs in the country has taken place.
Our South London football
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Providing comprehensive coverage of Millwall, Charlton Athletic,
Crystal Palace, AFC Wimbledon, Dulwich Hamlet and more!
Millwall
Shaun Williams reveals his best piece of advice for Millwall’s young prospects
Millwall’s young players have benefitted from Shaun Williams’ advice this season. The veteran midfielder, 34, is being released by the Lions this summer but had also taken on some coaching duties in the 2020-21 campaign.
Millwall boss reveals who he would have picked as club’s Player of the Season
Shaun Hutchinson would have got Gary Rowett’s vote for Millwall’s Player of the Season. Goalkeeper Bart Bialkowski picked up the accolade for the second successive season after keeping 17 clean sheets.
Gary Rowett: Millwall are following the three-year plan I mapped out
Gary Rowett reckons that Millwall are on course for the three-year plan when he took charge at The Den.
Bartosz Bialkowski: I’d be happy to sign a new Millwall deal
Bart Bialkowski would be happy to extend his contract at Millwall. The Poland goalkeeper, who turns 34 in July, has won successive Player of the Season awards since joining the Lions from Ipswich.
Charlton Athletic
Charlton defender Chris Gunter downplays his contribution to Wales – as Euros can see him add to 100 caps
Chris Gunter will be hoping to add to his 100 caps for Wales at the European Championships next month – but has downplayed his contribution for his country.
Burstow double takes Charlton Athletic into U18 Professional Development League Two play-off final
Mason Burstow scored a dramatic late winner for Charlton Athletic to take their U18 side through to the final of the Professional Development League Two play-off final.
Scott Minto: Charlton future is bright under Thomas Sandgaard – they finally have an owner who cares
Charlton Athletic might have missed out on a League One play-off place on goal difference, but Scott Minto believes the future is bright under Thomas Sandgaard.
Deji Oshilaja becomes the third Charlton player to confirm they are moving on
Deji Oshilaja has become the third player to announce he is leaving Charlton Athletic when his contract expires.
Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper Jack Butland gives his verdict on Crystal Palace debut
Jack Butland says playing his first Premier League game for Crystal Palace was “special” as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace boss delighted to welcome James Tomkins back into first-team fold
James Tomkins returned to league action for Crystal Palace in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa after recovering from a freak training ground accident at the beginning of the year.
Crystal Palace boss explains why he named three goalkeepers in squad for Villa match
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has explained his reason for naming three goalkeepers on the bench – and handing a debut to Jack Butland.
Christian Benteke: I always believed in my ability – I’m giving confidence back to Crystal Palace boss
Christian Benteke took his Premier League goal tally to nine this season – including three in his last three games – and reckons he is repaying manager Roy Hodgson’s faith.
AFC Wimbledon
Matt Cox saves two penalties as AFC Wimbledon knocked Cray Valley PM out of London Senior Cup
Two penalty saves by Matt Cox and a late brace by Corie Andrews fired AFC Wimbledon into the final of the London Senior Cup run at the expense of Cray Valley Paper Mills.
Ayoub Assal signs new long-term AFC Wimbledon contract
Ayoub Assal has signed a new contract at AFC Wimbledon until 2024. The former Millwall youngster has scored four goals in 16 appearances since breaking into the team in early March.
AFC Wimbledon make contract offer to former Charlton striker
Mark Robinson has revealed that AFC Wimbledon have offered Joe Pigott a new contract.
Teen prospect Ayoub Assal hungry to achieve more despite impressive breakout season at AFC Wimbledon
Ayoub Assal is looking to follow in the footsteps of his idol Didier Droga after being given the opportunity to prove himself during AFC Wimbledon’s relegation run-in.
Dulwich Hamlet
Ibra Sekajja: My debut goal – that kept Crystal Palace up – is still the highlight of my football career
Ibra Sekajja was so certain he would score on his Crystal Palace debut that he meticulously planned his celebration and then informed members of the first team how the occasion would pan out.
Women’s football: Dulwich Hamlet sign West Ham keeper on loan
Dulwich Hamlet have signed West Ham goalkeeper Mia North on loan. The 19-year-old goalkeeper is on the academy books of the FA Women’s Super League outfit. North was previously at Yeovil Town Ladies, and has also featured with the Wales U19 set-up.
Dulwich Hamlet Women land Exeter midfielder and Dons full-back
Dulwich Hamlet have signed Exeter midfielder Daniella Tyson and AFC Wimbledon defender Liz Berkeley.
“Gobsmacked” – Dulwich Hamlet chairman Ben Clasper on National League sanctions
Dulwich Hamlet chairman Ben Clasper has described himself as “gobsmacked” at their £8,000 fine and suspended points deduction from the National League.
Chelsea
Blues thrashed 4-0 in Champions League final by sensational Barcelona
Chelsea were thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in the Champions League final – conceding the first goal after just 35 seconds and then going into let in three more before the first half was over.
It was a terrible performance by the west Londoners with no player performing close to their usual level.
Last-minute agony as VAR rules out equaliser and Chelsea crash to FA Cup final heartache 1-0 to Leicester City
Chelsea crashed to a humbling 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City at Wembley and had the added indignity of seeing a last-gasp equaliser ruled out for offside.
In truth this was a poor display against a side, who have never won the FA Cup, losing four finals on the way.
Thomas Tuchel takes the blame as Chelsea head into pivotal five days in their domestic season
Chelsea head into a massive five days that could define their domestic season.
Massive error by Jorginho allows Arsenal to snatch 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal parked the bus and took full advantage of a horror error by Jorginho to steal the three points as the north Londoners won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge tonight. It reignited the Gooners’ slim Europa League hopes while denting Chelsea’s chance to jump, over Leicester City into third place.
Fulham
Former Balham FC youngster Fabio Carvalho thanks Fulham boss after first senior goal
Fabio Carvalho thanked Scott Parker for backing him after he scored on his full league debut in Fulham’ 3-1 defeat at St Mary’s.
Teenager Fabio Carvalho earns praise from Fulham boss Scott Parker
Scott Parker lauded Fabio Carvalho after he scored his first goal for the club on his full league debut in Fulham’s 3-1 loss at St Mary’s Stadium this afternoon.
Fulham need a clearer strategy and structure if they want sustained stay at Premier League level
Scott Parker wants Fulham to lose their reputation as a ‘yo-yo’ club – but ensuring they instantly win promotion back to the Premier League for a third time, ensuring they can even keep that tag, is anything but a surefire thing.
Fulham midfielder can’t answer if QPR stay is a possibility
QPR loan hit Stefan Johansen reckons he can’t supply any answers on where he will be plying his trade next season.
QPR
Lee Wallace gives verdict on signing new QPR contract
Lee Wallace is delighted to have signed a one-year extension which means he will be at QPR until 2022. The Scotsman has made 38 appearances and scored once in his time at the R’s.
Loan hit Jordy De Wijs delighted at QPR stay
Jordy De Wijs is delighted to have turned his QPR loan into a permanent move, and says that he can’t wait for next season.
Fulham midfielder can’t answer if QPR stay is a possibility
QPR loan hit Stefan Johansen reckons he can’t supply any answers on where he will be plying his trade next season.
QPR manager only focused on building on this season – and stops shy of talking up play-off push
Mark Warburton believes Queens Park Rangers will benefit “enormously” from this season – but wants them to build on the success next year.
Boxing
Joshua Buatsi knocked out Daniel Blenda Dos Santos to retain WBA International title
Joshua Buatsi successfully defended his WBA International light-heavyweight title with a fourth round knockout of Daniel Blenda Dos Santos on Saturday night.
Daniel Blenda Dos Santos eyes upset victory over Croydon’s Joshua Buatsi to ignite his career
Daniel Blenda Dos Santos knows he needs to produce his best to wrench the WBA International light-heavyweight title away from Joshua Buatsi tonight.
Joshua Buatsi’s next opponent revealed – as Croydon fighter returns in Manchester on May 15
Joshua Buatsi continues his push for a world title fight when he faces Daniel Blenda Dos Santos, a fellow unbeaten contender, for the WBA International light-heavyweight title on May 15 in Manchester.
Croydon’s Sunny Edwards aiming to keep fighting top level opposition after boxing masterclass to win IBF world title
Sunny ‘Showtime’ Edwards has vowed to reign at world title level after outboxing Moruti Mthalane to win the IBF flyweight title.
More Sport
Brixton BMX and Peckham BMX compete in first event of 2021
Brixton and Peckham’s BMX clubs were part of the first competitive event in 2021 earlier this month in Merton.
Catford Wanderers LTC: Poor results as rain also wipes out the ladies match
Catford Wanderers picked up poor results at the weekend with the ladies second team losing badly at Willett Rec.
Bromley boss gives verdict on 2-2 draw at Notts County
Andy Woodman hailed the character of his team after Bromley fought back to claim a point against Notts County.
